Ecoacoustics research indicates a global reduction in the natural sounds of ecosystems due to declining species diversity and abundance.
Declines in the diversity and intensity of natural sounds have been documented across North America and Europe over the past 25 years.
Experts emphasize that sounds like bird calls and insect hums are vanishing, warning of "acoustic fossils" if protective measures are not taken.
Key quote:
"The changes are profound. And they are happening everywhere."
— Bernie Krause, U.S. soundscape recordist
Why this matters:
The disappearance of natural sounds not only signifies a loss of biodiversity but also marks a concerning trend in environmental health, affecting global ecosystems and human wellbeing. Read more: The health of wildlife is inseparable from our own.
Over the last decade, millions of acres of grasslands have been lost to wildfires, extreme drought, fragmentation, commercial development, invasive species and other threats.
